This story is part of our February 2026 issue. To read the print version, click here.



There’s nothing better than the stillness of a pastoral view as
you sink into your chair and breathe the fresh Sierra Nevada
foothills air, a glass of wine in one hand and the other
interlaced with your Valentine’s. Whether you’re celebrating
Galentine’s or a little behind on planning a romantic date, I’ve
got the perfect option for you.

We often hear of Sacramentans heading to Lodi or the Shenandoah
Valley to get their wine glasses filled, but Placer County has a
distinct and oft-overlooked viticultural scene, made up of more
than 20 wineries. Every year, the county hosts its Fall in Love
With the Placer Wine Trail events, which are refreshingly
accessible and some of the region’s best-kept secrets.

The Placer County wine trail has stops including Ciotti Cellars,
Dora Dain Wines and Wise Villa Winery.

Just a 45-minute drive up the mountain, it’s an easy day trip
with gorgeous views, relaxed tasting rooms and a pace that feels
romantic and restful. If you’re looking to make a weekend of it
with friends, renting out the six-suite Park Victorian in Auburn
is ideal. Otherwise, there are well-curated Airbnbs with downtown
walkability in addition to the hotel chains.

And because wine is always better with something delicious, these
notes come with food recommendations. Find yourself a proper
lunch or dinner, a warm brunch worth lingering over or a food
truck snack break to keep everyone happy between tastings
(because, yes, the way to anyone’s heart is through food).

Saturday: Auburn-area wineries

I’d suggest hitting the Auburn wineries on Saturday and saving
Granite Bay and Loomis for Sunday. Why? There’s always more
traffic coming down from Tahoe on Sunday evenings.

“Flamenco in the Cave” at Viña Castellano is one of Placer Wine
Trail’s Valentine’s Day weekend events. Guests dine in a wine
cave during an immersive musical performance. (Photo courtesy of
Viña Castellano Estate Vineyard and Winery)

Viña Castellano Winery is the farthest
north on the map. What makes this Spanish-style winery so
intriguing is the intimate wine cave, paired with sweeping views
over the cascading Auburn hills. For Valentine’s Day, it is known
for hosting a romantic dining experience and performance titled
“Flamenco in the Cave.” The passion of flamenco is palpable and
does require reservations. But the winery is open during the day
to host guests.

From there, make your way to the first cluster of wineries,
starting with Lone Buffalo Vineyards. Lone Buffalo is a family
affair, and you’re more likely than not to run into owner and
winemaker Phil Maddux and his wife, Jill, or their adult
children, all of whom take a turn helping run the operation. It’s
got that country farm vibe, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot
cattle roaming the surrounding farmland. They use regenerative
agriculture practices to produce their wines, which support soil
biodiversity across their farm.

Crème brûlée topped with berries at Wise Villa Winery in Lincoln.

Lone Buffalo often has a food truck, but save room for lunch (or
an early dinner) at Wise Villa Winery and Bistro. Their
Tuscan-style dishes are curated by Chef Marc Riedel. Be sure to
look into the cluster of tasting rooms on your way from Lone
Buffalo to Wise Villa. Those include Dono dal Cielo Vineyard,
Rappé Family Vineyards and PaZa Estate Winery. Farther west sits
a second cluster made up of Dora Dain Wines, Ciotti Cellars and
Smokin’ Barrel Winery, to name a few.

Lastly, Mt. Vernon Winery is an Auburn staple, having expanded
its outdoor seating a few years ago. It often has music and a
food truck, along with the largest tasting menu on the trail.

Sunday: Granite Bay and Loomis

On Sunday, I recommend hitting the Granite Bay and Loomis stretch
of the trail. These wineries are a quick jaunt from Sacramento,
and if you’re hoping to avoid that I-80 ski traffic, you can take
the back roads home.

One challenge with a day trip: Wineries usually don’t open until
11 a.m. or noon. So if you want an early brunch before you start
tasting, I’d recommend The Flower Farm in Loomis. Surrounded by
dancing willow trees and terraces draped in grapevines, service
begins as early as 9 a.m. The Flower Farm is connected to Casque
Wines. It’s family-friendly and the perfect way to begin (or end)
your trail adventures.

The Flower Farm in Loomis is connected to Casque Wines.

From there, you can hop around some of the boutique tasting
rooms. Hill Top Oaks Winery sits on a hillside overlooking the
rolling Loomis hills. You can jump to Secret Ravine Vineyard &
Winery’s tasting room or head to Old Town Rocklin for Cante Ao
Vinho, where you’re likely to catch live music among
stone-masoned walls.

If you want a slow morning and don’t mind making a reservation,
Twin Rocks Estate Winery serves brunch starting at 11 a.m. This
is more on the fine-dining side of service, and it only allows
kids on Sundays. They’ll accommodate walk-ins, but since we’re
talking Valentine’s Day weekend, it’s better to play it safe.
They are offering a reservation-only five-course meal with wine
pairings starting at 6 p.m. on the 13th and 14th. The estate is
spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating and a large fountain
for ambiance.

So if Valentine’s Day is sneaking up on you, or you just want
something that feels more spacious than a crowded dining room,
consider this your invitation: Take the scenic route, sip
something local, eat something wonderful, and call it romance.

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